Fleet Improvement Engineer - #1717806

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering

GRADE: ML1/SB3

SALARY: £56,772 per annum

ROLE TYPE: Hybrid - Neville Hill and Hull

HOURS: 37 per week

REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager

Ready to drive fleet performance and engineer lasting improvements?

Picture yourself at the forefront of our Engineering function - investigating technical issues, identifying solutions, and helping to keep our trains running safely, smoothly, and reliably. If you’re a proactive problem-solver with an eye for data, technical detail, and long-term performance, this could be just the ticket to take your engineering career to the next level!

This isn’t just about fixing faults - it’s about improving the fleet, supporting our TrainCare Centre's in Leeds and Hull, and helping Northern deliver a better railway for the North.

Can you see yourself:

• Solving the Right Problems: Investigating technical and safety issues across the fleet, from maintenance and cleaning to unit reliability and performance.
• Sharing Insight: Analysing fleet performance data, producing reports, and sharing insight to help our depot teams spot trends and improve day-to-day operations.
• Supporting the Network: Working closely with TrainCare Centre's and stakeholders across the network (and beyond), providing technical support and shaping the right solutions.
• Challenging the Norm: Supporting modification projects, special checks, and working with suppliers and contractors to resolve complex technical issues.
• Driving Improvements: Helping develop and deliver performance improvement plans that have a real, measurable impact on our service.
  
  
  

Are you:

• Technically Qualified? You’ve got (or are working towards) a Level 4 HNC in Engineering, plus solid hands-on experience in a depot or fleet engineering environment.
• Experienced in Rail or Regulated Engineering? You understand complex operational environments and can translate technical concepts into practical solutions.
• Analytical & Detail-Oriented? You’re confident using data to drive decisions, influence plans, and support your teams.
• A Strong Communicator? You can build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and you know how to make technical detail easy to understand.
• Safety & Quality Focused? You’re aware of industry standards, audit techniques and the importance of high-performing, compliant operations.
• NEBOSH Certified? Or working towards it? Great – that’s exactly what we’re looking for!
  
  
  

What’s in it for you?

At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
• Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
• Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
• Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
  
  
  

Why Northern?

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North - connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, after which rail quickly spread across the globe - and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B - we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a medical assessment.

No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.